GTUC calls for investigation into Joint Services torture allegation

Mar 15, 2009 News

The Guyana Trades Union Congress is calling on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged report of torture of Mitchell Thomas and Ryan Gordon, two Wakenaam residents.

During a recent media briefing, GTUC President, Gillian Burton, said that it is their right to protect the rights of every class of workers, be they traditional or non-traditional workers.

“The GTUC wishes to remind the Government of Guyana of its obligation under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 5 that ‘no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” Burton said.

Also speaking out on the issue was the GTUC Acting General Secretary, Norris Witter, who said the trade union umbrella organization is demanding a full and impartial inquiry into the alleged torture of the two Wakenaam residents.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that because of official collusion, some members can torture and maim citizens and get away with it…

“President Jagdeo is on record as publicly supporting US President Barack Obama and he, President Jagdeo, is no doubt aware of President Obama’s opposition to torture,” Witter pointed out.

Some three weeks ago, during a Joint Services’ raid on the Island of Wakenaam which netted some $20M worth of cocaine, the two men, Mitchell Thomas and Ryan Gordon, were reportedly tortured. Ryan Gordon, 17, has since given a detailed statement to the Parika Police of the alleged atrocities by the ranks of the Joint Services, thereby facilitating a full-scale investigation.

Gordon is alleging that the ranks held him by his pants and dragged him down the road. They also slapped him in his face several times.

He is also alleging that he was placed to lie on his belly and forced to crawl.

The ranks also allegedly put wood on his shoulder and stood on him for several minutes before shoving the barrel of a gun in his ears.

Thomas, a part-time labourer, has also alleged that he was placed to lie in an ant nest for several minutes, causing his skin to be badly bruised. He too has indicated that he will be formally reporting the matter to the police.

Police Commissioner Henry Greene had told this newspaper that once an official report is made, there will be a thorough investigation.

Latest News

GTUC calls for investigation into Joint Services torture allegation

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

𝐓𝐒𝐔, Region 2 book semi-final spots as teams look towards...

World Athletics recognize AAG Elections

Ramdehol named Berbice skipper ahead of GCB U17...

National player Nigel Bryan represents Guyana at...

Newton embarks on two-week training in Paraguay

Kennard Memorial Turf club expresses heartfelt...

Features/Columnists

The U.S. pressure on Venezuela may backfire on Guyana

The Caribbean: Destined to Grin and Bear the Consequences of Its Self-Created Vulnerabilities?

President Ali’s dawn patrol

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

GTUC calls for investigation into Joint Services torture allegation

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]